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Israeli police receive 45% more complaints of violence in 2023 – Israel News

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According to new data from the Israel Democracy Institute, the number of complaints about police violence filed with the Department of Internal Police Investigations (DIPI), part of the Ministry of Justice, has increased in Israel.

According to the data, the average number of monthly complaints about police violence increased by 45% in the first eight months of 2023 compared to the corresponding period in 2022.

Despite the worrying increase in complaints, Dr. A study conducted by Guy Lurie recommends caution when drawing conclusions from the data found, as they may also point to other factors, such as an increase in demonstrations, where citizens are more likely to participate in contact with to the police.

Current allegations of police violence during protests

Although the study did not reflect data from the period of the Israel-Hamas war, there have been an overwhelming number of recent anti-government protests demanding the return of hostages from Hamas captivity.

In a recent complaint against officers from Israel’s Hadera police station during protests in Caesarea last week, a 55-year-old woman said she was beaten by police at a rally.

Clashes between demonstrators and police near the Hakirya base in Tel Aviv, May 11, 2024, during a protest against the release of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip and against the current Israeli government. (Source: Itai Ron/Flash90)

Another protester said he heard threats from police and said a senior officer told a protester he would “break every bone in (her) body.”

According to Lurie, the increase in police complaints found in the Israel Democracy Institute study needs to be taken seriously.

He also attributed the increase to government officials such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

“The increase in the number of complaints about police violence lodged with the DIPI over the last year raises serious questions, particularly given the timing at which the current government and Minister of National Security (Itamr Ben-Gvir) took office. “It is important that the police take these figures seriously and investigate the cause of the phenomenon to ensure that police officers only act in accordance with the law,” explained Lurie

Eve Young contributed to this report.



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